If I claim three dependents on my first job's W4, can I claim a different number on a second job's W4?

Question

If I claim three dependents on my first job's W4, can I claim a different number on a second job's W4?

Answer 1

If you have two jobs, you want to be careful about claiming exemptions - The calculations are based on subtracting the number of exemptions - so if you claim the same number on both jobs, you will probably end up owing come tax time as the exemption deduction is taken from both incomes, but the tax return adds the income (sometimes throwing you into a higher tax bracket) while only deducting the exemptions once.

The usual advice says to claim your tax return exemptions on the higher paying job and zero, withhold at higher single rate on the second job. - so, if you claim yourself, your wife and one kid on your tax return, then claim three on the one job, and zero on the second job.

How you actually will end up will depend on your income level and the kinds of deductions you have.  If you work with a tax preparer, talk to them.

Answer 2

I personally claim 3 withholding ALLOWANCES on the W-4 for my primary job and 0 on the W-4 for my second job.  As long as your total withholding is close to your actual tax liability, the IRS does not know or care.

I personally recommend the withholding calculator on the IRS website.  You can enter basic information and it will recommend how many allowances to claim.  NOTE: You actually don't claim dependents on the W-4.  Withholding allowances are NOT the same as dependents.

Answer 3

Sure, and that would be very common and a good idea, to claim fewer if any allowances for your second job.